Why prefer mobile apps to the mobile web

Let’s start with simple definitions:

• a Mobile App is software designed and dedicated for use on devices such as tablets and smartphones to respond, quickly and efficiently, to a specific need (downloadable from dedicated Android-iOS stores).
• Mobile Web, on the other hand, refers to Web browsing, via mobile devices (usable by browsers).

In recent years, following the emergence of so-called Responsive Design, the Mobile web has managed to adapt to any type/format of smartphones and tablets, coming very close to Apps. That said, there are still a whole range of advantages that only native applications can provide. Let’s find out together.

1. Limitations of technology (web)

Yes, a mobile site is independent of the platform of use, and because of the features provided by HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, its features approach the capabilities of mobile applications. However, this sort of “one size fits all,” is nothing more than a compromise, allowing you to achieve decent results on all platforms, but in no case optimal.

A perfect example of this is the push notifications: the largest communication channel at your disposal, is exclusive to Native Apps.

2. Practicality

A ‘mobile application is just a touch away from the user and can be found directly when the smartphone is turned on. To access the mobile web, on the other hand, one must usually first open the browser and then use the search engine, or find the link in bookmarks.

3. Accessibility

Other strengths of mobile applications are accessibility and user experience. Native applications allow many more options foradaptation to various mobile devices: interfaces that are more attractive, interactive, and at the same time easy to use. Anything else? Native apps work better. Precisely because they are entirely developed in the language of the device on which they are launched, they always manage to offer optimal performance in terms of fluidity and loading.

4. Monetization

A mobile application is not only an additional service you offer your customers but also an additional and possible source of revenue. The Paywall concept never fully came to life on the Web. Different discussion for mobile apps: in addition to the classic paid versions, so-called in-App services (additional options and content offered for a fee within free apps) are widespread. There is, of course, no shortage of opportunities to place any type of advertisement (banner Admob, popups etc).

5. Users choose the Apps

Internet use on mobile devices is growing steadily and rapidly. More and more users are using Apps, as opposed to the classic web versions. Not only that: according to research conducted by Flurry Analytics, users in 2013, spent 80 percent more of their time on mobile applications (in 2014, the percentage increased by an additional 6 percent). The data speak for themselves: users prefer Apps, even in cases where there is a similar service implemented through the mobile website. Take YouTube, Yahoo, and CNN as examples: platforms and media that offer virtually identical content on both their Apps and mobile websites. Result? They receive more views through mobile applications. Then when it comes to Facebook, the ratio is even higher: nearly 9 out of 10 users prefer to use the Mobile Application.

Why Cfeed?

No limits on functionality, convenience, accessibility, monetization, and the absolute preference of your customers: create your own news App with Cfeed. Everything is even easier with us. All you need to do is provide us with the link to the information stream (feed) of your current website and you will see all the news transferred, automatically, to a native App for Smartphones and Tablets (Android-iOS).

Our offerings include ongoing support, updates, graphic customization, the addition of photo-video galleries, live streaming and other features.